Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s talent is undeniable. The New York Yankees’ second baseman boasts impressive left-handed power, quickness, and the ability to make electrifying plays on the field. However, his inconsistency is a concern.
In 2025, Chisholm was an All-Star and earned a Silver Slugger award, but his performance dropped in 2026, posting only 1.7 wins above replacement with a 97 OPS+. While his talent could secure a hefty average annual salary, his history of fluctuating performance—dating back to his time with the Miami Marlins from 2020 to 2024—likely limits his chances for a long-term contract.
If Chisholm parts ways with New York, the three best MLB teams that could be a strong fit for him include:
Washington Nationals
Chisholm would likely start at second base for the Nationals in 2027, helping to recover some of the production lost when the team traded away infielders Luis García Jr. and Curtis Mead in 2026. Despite trading those players, Washington still ranked third in the MLB in runs scored (821) and slugging percentage (.423). While Nasim Nuñez leads the National League with 49 stolen bases and boasts strong defense, he doesn’t bring the power or consistent offensive output Chisholm offers. In 2025, Chisholm hit a career-high 31 home runs with 80 RBIs and 4.1 wins above replacement; he has also averaged 37.3 steals per season since 2024.
Additionally, shortstop and two-time All-Star CJ Abrams, who is two years from free agency, might be traded this offseason if he and the Nationals fail to agree on an extension. The Nationals could provide Chisholm, who has experience playing shortstop including 310 minor-league starts, a chance to play either middle infield spot. This could help him rebuild value for a bigger contract later. However, Washington might also want to keep the door open for top prospect Eli Willits, their 2025 first overall draft pick, to assume a middle infield role if he quickly advances through the minors or for Abrams to transition full-time to second base.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds, who finished last in the NL Central with 75 wins last season, are seeking potential upside, which Chisholm could provide. He would likely take over as Cincinnati’s starting second baseman, pushing Matt McLain to a bench role as the primary infielder substitute. McLain, who has primarily started at second base over the past two seasons and hit .204 combined, also has experience at shortstop.
Chisholm, a two-time All-Star, would bring Cincinnati an offensive boost at second base and a strong left-handed bat to balance out manager Terry Francona’s lineup. The Reds struggled offensively last season, ranking last in hits (1,231), on-base percentage (.305), 27th in runs scored (666), and 25th in slugging percentage (.394), while recording the second-highest strikeout total (1,544). Despite the struggles, Cincinnati still hit 213 home runs, ranking fourth in the MLB.
Cincinnati has also faced challenges getting consistent production from outfielders other than JJ Bleday. Another possibility for the Reds is to keep McLain at second base and move Chisholm to center field, where he has substantial experience from his time with the Marlins, including 186 starts. Still, the Reds might prefer to stick with McLain at second and add a dedicated center fielder instead.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants are in need of a second baseman and more offense, along with a boost of positivity—traits that Chisholm could provide. Luis Arráez was a bright spot last season, batting .324, but he became a trade candidate at the deadline as the Giants weren’t playoff contenders, moving to the Philadelphia Phillies.
San Francisco’s shortstop, Willy Adames, now requires a dependable double-play partner, and Chisholm could fill that void at second base while significantly enhancing an offense that ranked 29th in on-base percentage (.306), 26th in runs (669), and tied for 17th in slugging (.400) last year.
From a pure talent perspective, Chisholm is an appealing option for teams needing a second baseman. At only 28 years old, he has the potential to be a consistent All-Star if he can regain his peak form. Perhaps leaving the Yankees will motivate him to bounce back.
Given that the Giants are a few pieces away from wild-card contention, they are a suitable place for Chisholm to reset his career. As a team searching for solutions, San Francisco offers a low-risk, potentially high-reward scenario where both the player and the club could strike gold.
Fan Take: Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s next move is crucial—not just for his own career but for the teams looking to add dynamic talent to their infield. His landing spot could reshape the balance of power in MLB’s middle infield positions and add excitement to the sport, reminding fans how quickly a player’s fortunes can turn in baseball.
Source: www.foxsports.com
